Dennis Schroder may be in a better situation with the Cleveland Cavaliers, but that hasn’t stopped him from sharing his thoughts on his experience with the Sacramento Kings.
Schroder, who was part of a trade-deadline deal in February that also sent defensive guard Keon Ellis to Cleveland in return for forward De’Andre Hunter, recently appeared on the Golden Hoops Podcast, a German basketball podcast hosted by the guard and journalist Andre Voigt.
Schroder’s brief tenure with the organization began with a three-year, $45 million deal signed last summer, with the understanding that the veteran guard would be the team’s starting point guard.
“When free agency was embarking upon us, this was the number one guy in the league for us that was going to fit that bill,” Kings general manager Scott Perry said at Schroder’s introductory press conference in July.
Shooting struggles plagued Schroder’s play during the opening weeks of the season, causing him to be relegated to a bench role just 12 games into the regular season as fellow veteran Russell Westbrook took his place in the starting lineup.
Dennis Schroder spoke about how things unfolded, stating that the Kings didn’t keep their word without mentioning specifics.
The following transcript has been translated from German by HoopsHype:
“But I have to say one thing: with Sacramento, with Christie, it’s extremely difficult right now. I don’t want to build contact there right now, because the situation was extremely difficult, and I think what they said and what they did simply were not—uh, it just wasn’t the same, and that really, well, what does ‘hurt’ mean?
I’m in a better situation now. But when someone says something, I’m always a fan of making sure we keep it that way. If I tell someone, ‘Hey, we’re going to do this and this,’ then I don’t suddenly go off to the right, you know? So, you should always keep your word, and unfortunately the Sacramento Kings didn’t do that. And that’s a shame.
Of course, I’m still grateful that they paid me and that they initially believed in the vision, and yeah, that’s why it’s still extremely difficult. But I think after the season, maybe we can sit down and talk about what bothered me, or rather what the situation was, why it is kind of the way it is now.”
Former Sacramento Kings guard Dennis Schroder on the Golden Hoops Podcast | March 18, 2026
(Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
More on Dennis Schroder
As a starter with the Kings during the first 12 games of the season, Dennis Schroder averaged 11.3 points and 6.0 assists per game on 38 percent shooting from the field and just 30 percent from deep.
While Schroder has an issue with how his Sacramento tenure unfolded, there’s no denying that his play significantly improved upon being moved into a reserve role.
In the 26 games that followed, Schroder averaged 13.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and just 1.9 turnovers per game on 42/36/80 shooting splits. Two games later, he was traded to the Cavaliers.
Westbrook, who was signed for the league minimum during the final days of training camp, played well out of the gates and applied pressure on Schroder for the starting job. Since being moved into the starting lineup, Westbrook hasn’t looked back, holding averages of 15.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game over 58 games.
Dennis Schroder may not have liked how things unfolded with the Kings, but in the end, he only has himself to blame. He was handed a sizeable contract, and the keys to the starting point guard spot–but Westbrook outplayed him.
Of course, Sacramento is well on its way to a high lottery pick as a disappointing season winds down, while Dennis Schroder is preparing for what Cleveland hopes will be a lengthy playoff run.
More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports
When is the next Sacramento Kings game?
The Sacramento Kings will conclude a three-game homestand on Sunday afternoon when they face the Brooklyn Nets at Golden 1 Center in a game that has NBA Draft Lottery implications.
Be sure to catch all of the Sacramento Kings vs. Brooklyn Nets action right here on Sactown Sports 1140 AM, with pregame coverage beginning at 1:30 PM PT on Game Night before a 3:00 pm PT tip-off from downtown Sacramento.
Upcoming Sacramento Kings schedule for the 2025-26 season
Sunday, March 22nd vs. Brooklyn Nets – 3:00 PM PT
Tuesday, March 24th – @ Charlotte Hornets – 4:00 PM PT
Thursday, March 26th – @ Orlando Magic – 4:00 PM PT
Saturday, March 28th – @ Brooklyn Nets – 4:00 PM PT
Sunday, March 29th @ Brooklyn Nets – 3:00 PM PT
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